Read fit to face Pumas

Editor

All Blacks skipper Kieran Read is confident he will be fit to take on the Pumas in Saturday's Rugby Championship Test La Plata

All Blacks skipper Kieran Read is confident he will be fit to take on the Pumas in Saturday's Rugby Championship Test La Plata

There have been doubts over the number eight's participation after he sat out training on Thursday due to a stomach injury, prompting the All Blacks to call up Tanerau Latimer, who was due to arrive on Friday.

But Read was able to take part in Friday's captain's run and although he admits his preparations haven't been ideal, he feels he will be ready come kick-off.

“It's not (ideal), you want to be out there on the training paddock but I've been around a long time so I can slip back in where needed,” said Read.

“It's more mental from here on in.”

Read says he doesn't feel any extra pressure to play, despite Latimer's last-minute arrival.

“Not really. I'll play if I'm ready, and if not, probably not. Right now I feel great, hopefully it continues that way,” he said.

“So it'll just be business as usual.”